Adaptive Footwear Article for Accommodating Orthotics

ABSTRACT

A footwear article configured to accommodate an orthotic device. The footwear article includes a sole and a body. The sole and body extend around and form an interior space sized to receive the user&#39;s foot and the orthotic device. The body includes an elastic section configured to expand when the footwear article is worn by the user to increase the size of the interior space to accommodate the user&#39;s foot and the orthotic device. The stretching action further applies a force on the user&#39;s foot to maintain the position of the orthotic device relative to the foot.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/280,336, filed on Nov. 17, 2021, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to footwear, more specifically, footwear that is structurally adaptable to support a foot and foot care aids.

BACKGROUND

Currently there are many children, teens, and adults who wear foot orthotics, such as AFOs (ankle foot orthotics), SMO (supramalleoular orthotics), FO (foot orthotics), to provide support, maintain, or remedy their foot deformities, misalignments, joint deformities, muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, and/or muscle tone. The orthotic devices can be worn by the user or can be positioned within the footwear and contacted by the user's foot when inserted into the footwear article. The individuals who wear orthotic devices require footwear that will fit over their orthotics so they can meaningfully engage in daily activities in their environment. People who wear foot orthotics also need footwear to protect their feet, provide friction to prevent falls, keep their feet warm, and prevent wear and tear of their foot orthotics.

In the past 5-10 years, name-brand companies have been making an effort to be more inclusive by designing footwear that can accommodate orthotics. However, these designs lack style and variety in comparison to typical footwear. As a result, many people that wear orthotics are wearing footwear that are not designed to accommodate orthotics.

Another problem is the high price for existing footwear. Many times, people that are wearing orthotics also have other medical expenses such as doctor visits and the cost of the orthotics. Children who wear orthotics are typically receiving rehabilitation services of physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a footwear article design specifically for people who wear some form of foot orthoses. Creating an adaptive footwear article (and particularly one that is also stylish and affordable) will give more children opportunities to continue to wear their orthotic devices longer and prevent secondary impairments such as pain, discomfort, and loss of range of motion as an adult.

The adaptive footwear article disclosed herein will allow ease for donning and doffing (placing and removing) for people who wear orthotic devices. Among other things, the footwear article makes it easier for parents and caregivers to don and doff the footwear articles without the fight and discomfort due to poor fit commonly found with typical footwear articles.

The adaptive footwear article may additionally feature the aesthetically pleasing styles with measurements geared toward someone who wears an orthotic device. The stretch from the elastic section creates more space for an orthotic device to be positioned in the footwear article with less resistance. The elastic section may also make room for bulkier orthotic devices to reduce pressure over the dorsum (top) of the foot. The footwear article may fit typical to current standard footwear article designs without significant modifications of the footwear article.

The footwear article provides for an increased depth to accommodate space for the orthotic device. The toe box may have an increased depth to accommodate the forefoot of the orthotic device. The opening of the footwear article may be located close to the toe box so that the tongue of the footwear article can be moved out of the way. The tongue may be purposefully thin and floppy to just cover the orthotic device without causing added pressure to the top of the foot. The footwear article may be extra wide to allow for sizing changes as the child's foot and orthotic device grows. This allows for the footwear article to grow with the child and their needs. This footwear article may additionally or alternatively have an extra-long Velcro strap, e.g., to accommodate the width of the addition of higher orthotic devices, such as ankle foot orthoses and leg braces. The footwear article may have an extra-long hook at the heel of the footwear article to help caregivers' and families' ease of pulling the footwear articles up onto the footwear articles. The footwear article may also have a spandex (elastic) material around the tongue so it can stretch and add more room for the foot orthotics to fit better. This stretch may aid in the ease of donning the footwear article. Families and children often struggle with donning the footwear articles safely and comfortable due to lack of space in typical footwear article designs. The footwear article disclosed herein may be lightweight and flexible, which will help people who are ambulatory.

One aspect is directed to a footwear article configured to accommodate a user's foot and an orthotic device. The footwear article comprises a sole with a top side and a bottom side. A body is connected to the sole and extends upward from the top side of the sole. The body comprises: an upper edge that extends around and defines an opening with the opening comprising a rear section and a front section; and an elastic section positioned between the upper edge and the sole with the elastic section extending along the front section of the opening. The elastic section is configured to stretch to adjust a size of the body to accommodate the user's foot and the orthotic device.

In another aspect, the body comprises a front section that extends around the front section of the opening and a rear section that extends around the rear section of the opening with the elastic section positioned along the front section of the body and is spaced away from the rear section of the body.

In another aspect, a strap is connected to the rear section of the body and extends across the opening.

In another aspect, the elastic section extends along lateral sides and a front side of the front section of the opening.

In another aspect, the elastic section forms the upper edge of the body.

In another aspect, the elastic section is spaced away from the upper edge of the body.

In another aspect, the elastic section comprises a strip of elastic material with an elongated length to extend along the front section of the opening and having a strip width that is narrow relative to a strip length.

One aspect is directed to a footwear article configured to accommodate a user's foot and an orthotic device. The footwear article comprises a sole, and a body attached to the sole and comprising a front section configured to extend around toes and arch of the user's foot and a rear section configured to extend around a heel of the user's foot. The body comprises: an opening at a top of the body and that extends along the front section and the rear section; a base that extends from the sole and forms a lower portion of the body along the front section and the rear section; a fastener section that extends along opposing sides of the opening at the front section; and an elastic section that extends along the opposing sides of the opening at the front section. A depth along the front section is measured between the sole and the opening with the elastic section configured to stretch and contract to adjust the depth to accommodate the user's foot and the orthotic device.

In another aspect, the elastic section is spaced away from the rear section of the body.

In another aspect, a strap is connected to the body and extends across the opening at the rear section with the strap being spaced away from the elastic section.

In another aspect, the elastic section extends around lateral sides and a front side of the opening at the front section.

In another aspect, the elastic section comprises two or more separate portions.

In another aspect, a tongue is attached to the body and extends across the opening at the front section.

In another aspect, the elastic section comprises a strip of an elastic material with an elongated length to extend along the opening at the front section of the body and with a strip width that is narrow relative to a strip length.

In another aspect, the elastic section is positioned between and spaces apart the fastener section and the base.

One aspect is directed to a method of accommodating a user's foot and an orthotic device in a footwear article. The method comprises: receiving the user's foot and the orthotic device in an opening at a top of a body of the footwear article; expanding an elastic section of the body and increasing a depth of the body responsive to the user inserting their foot into the body; and applying a compressive force on the user's foot when the user's foot is inserted into the body.

In another aspect, the method further comprises expanding just a front section of the body and simultaneously maintaining a size of a rear section of the body.

One aspect is directed to an adaptive footwear article to accommodate orthotic devices with the footwear article comprising a flexible tongue. An elastic section is positioned around the tongue operative to create space for an orthotic device. A shoe body is attached to the elastic section with the shoe body comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a depth sized to accommodate an orthotic device, and a toe box sized to accommodate a forefoot of the orthotic device. An opening is positioned close to the toe box that permits insertion of the user's foot and the orthotic device with the tongue being movable away from the opening. A Velcro ankle strap is operative to secure the upper portion of the shoe around the orthotic device and the user's foot. A fastener is operative to secure the lower portion of the shoe around the orthotic device and the user's foot.

In another aspect, a fabric loop is attached to a back of the shoe body.

The features, functions and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a footwear article.

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of a footwear article.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a footwear article.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an elastic section of a footwear article.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a footwear article with a first depth.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the footwear article of FIG. 5A with a larger second depth.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram of a method of accommodating a user's foot and an orthotic device in a footwear article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a footwear article configured to accommodate an orthotic device. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a footwear article 10 that includes a sole 20 and a body 30. The sole 20 and body 30 extend around and form an interior space sized to receive the user's foot and the orthotic device 100. The body 30 includes an elastic section 40. The elastic section 40 is configured to stretch when the footwear article 10 is worn by the user to increase the size of the interior space 50 to accommodate the user's foot and the orthotic device 100. The stretching action further applies a compressive force on the user's foot to maintain the position of the orthotic device 100 relative to the foot and/or to prevent the user's foot from moving relative to the sole 20 and body 30. The elastic section 40 further provides for the interior space 50 to expand to different sizes to accommodate users with different foot sizes and/or different sizes of orthotic devices 100.

The footwear article 10 is configured to be used with a variety of orthotic devices 100. Examples include but are not limited to AFOs (ankle foot orthotics), SMO (supramalleoular orthotics), and FO (foot orthotics).

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate examples of footwear articles 10. As illustrated, the sole 20 is located at the bottom of footwear article 10. The sole 20 can be made from different materials depending on the style and purpose of the footwear article. Examples of materials include but are not limited to rubber, leather, and various synthetic materials. The width, height, and length of the sole 20 can vary depending on the footwear article 10. In one example, the sole 20 has a fixed size. In another example, the sole 20 can stretch when the footwear article 10 is worn by the user.

The sole 20 includes a top side 21 and a bottom side 31. The top side 21 forms an insole and the bottom side 22 forms an outsole. The insole is an area where the user's foot is positioned while the footwear article 10 is worn. The outsole is exposed and configured to contact against the ground.

The body 30 is connected to the sole 20 and extends upward from the top side 21. The body 30 can include various shapes and sized depending upon the footwear article 10. The body 30 and sole 20 together extend around and form the interior space 50. The body 30 can be constructed from a single piece of material, or from multiple pieces of material. Examples of materials include but are not limited to leather, suede, mesh, nylon, faux leather, and faux suede.

The body 30 can be divided into a front section 70 configured to receive the front portion of the user's foot including their toes and arch. The body 30 also includes a rear section 71 configured to receive the user's heal and ankle. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the rear section 71 extends a limited distance from the sole 20 (i.e., a low-top footwear article). In another example as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the rear section 71 is larger and extends a greater distance to cover the user's ankle (i.e., a high-top footwear article). In yet another example (not illustrated), the rear section 71 extends even farther away from the sole 20 to be positioned along the user's leg, such as with various boots.

The body 30 include an upper edge 31 opposite from the sole 20. The upper edge 31 defines an opening 60. The opening 60 extends across the top of the footwear 10 along the front section 70 and the rear section 71. The opening 60 includes a front section 61 that extends along the front section 70, and a rear section 62 that extends along the rear section 71. A tongue 80 is attached to the body 30 in proximity to the upper edge 31. The tongue 80 extends across the front section 61 of the opening 60. The rear section 62 of the opening 60 remains open to receive the user's ankle/leg.

Fasteners 90 are attached to the body 30 in proximity to the upper edge 31. The fasteners 90 extend across the opening 60 at the front section 70 of the body 30. The fasteners 90 are adjustable to selectively control a width of the front section 70. The fasteners 90 can include various configurations including but not limited to laces, straps, buckles, and zippers. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 3 , a strap 80 is attached to the body 30 and extends across the opening 60. The strap 80 is used to control the width of the opening 60 to secure the body 30 to the user's foot. In one example, the strap 80 is positioned on the rear section 71 of the body 30 away from the front section 70.

The footwear article 10 includes a size. The size can be defined by one or more of a depth D measured between the top side 21 of the sole 20 and the upper edge 31 of the body 30 (see FIGS. 2, 3 ), a width Q measured between opposing lateral sides 37, 38 (see FIG. 4 ). In one example, the size also includes a length L measured between a front edge 39 of the body 30 and an end of the front section 70.

The body 30 includes an elastic section 40 that provides for adjusting the size. The elastic section 40 stretches when the user's foot is inserted into the interior space 50. When the user's foot is removed, the elastic section 40 returns to its original shape and size. When expanded, the elastic section 40 acts to return towards its original shape and size and thus applies a force to the user's foot. The change is size can be the result of a change in one or more of the width, depth, and length. The elastic section 40 can be made from different materials. In some examples, the material includes a first component that performs the stretching such as rubber or a synthetic material (e.g., Spandex) and a second covering component such as polyester, cotton, and nylon. One example includes elastic material includes latex-based rubber and polyester fibers.

In one example as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the elastic section 40 is positioned along just the front section 70 and is positioned away from the rear section 71. In this example, the elastic section 40 provides for the front section 70 to expand when the user's foot is inserted to accommodate the orthotic device 100. The elastic section 40 also applies a compressive force to the user's foot when the elastic section 40 is expanded. The compressive force provides for the footwear article 10 to remain positioned relative to the user's foot and also to prevent/reduce the likelihood of the footwear article 10 falling off during use. The elastic section 40 can include a single piece of material or can include two or more different pieces 45. The different pieces 45 can include the same or different constructions.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of an elastic section 40 that is constructed as a single piece. The elastic section 40 comprises a substantially u-shape to extend around the opening 60 at the front section 70. In one example, the u-shaped elastic section 40 extends along the front and lateral sides of the opening 60. The elastic section 40 includes a first end 41 and an opposing second end 44. A top edge 42 is positioned towards the opening 60 and an opposing bottom edge 43 is positioned away from the opening 60. A width w is measured between the top and bottom edges 42, 43. During stretching, the width w increases in size to accommodate the user's foot and the orthotic device 100.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the elastic section 40 mounted within the body 30 of the footwear article 10. The first end 41 and the opposing second end 44 (not illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) attach at the rear section 71 of the body 30. Thus, the stretching of the elastic section 40 occurs along the front section 70 of the body 30 and not along the rear section 71. In another example, the elastic section 40 extends into the rear section 71 and provides for expansion of the rear section 71. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the elastic section 40 is a strip of material with an elongated length measured between the first and second ends 41, 44 sized to extend along the front section of the opening and having a width W that is narrow relative to the length.

In one example as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the elastic section 40 is positioned away from the upper edge 31 of the body 30. In this example, the body 30 includes a fastener section 32 that receives the fasteners 90. The fastener section 32 forms a portion of the upper edge 31 of the body 30. The elastic section 40 is attached below the fastener section 32 (i.e., between the fastener section 32 and the sole 20). The body 30 also includes a base 33 that extends between the elastic section 40 and the sole 20. A width of the base 33 measured between a bottom edge and an upper edge is larger than a width of the elastic section 40. The larger base 33 provides stability in the footwear article 10 as the base 33 maintains its shape and size during use. The smaller elastic section 40 provides for expansion.

The elastic section 40 can be positioned at other locations along the body 30. One example includes being connected to the sole 20. In another example, the elastic section 40 forms the upper edge 31 of the body 30.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the stretching of the elastic section 40 to increase the size of the footwear article 10. In this example, the stretching occurs as illustrated in a first direction by S1 and S2, and a second direction as illustrated by L1 and L2. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the depth increases during expansion of the elastic section 40.

When the user removes their foot from the interior space 50, the footwear article 10 returns back to the original shape and size as illustrated in FIG. 5A.

In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the elastic section 40 is positioned away from the rear section 71. Thus, just the front section 70 expands in size with the rear section 71 being the same in both configurations.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of accommodating a user's foot and an orthotic device 100 in a footwear article 10. The method includes receiving the user's foot and the orthotic device 100 (block 610). This includes receiving these items in an opening 60 at a top of a body 30. The user's foot and orthotic device 100 can be received at the same time (i.e., the orthotic device is attached to the user's foot), or at different times.

The method includes expanding a size of the body 50 (block 620). The expansion occurs along an elastic section 40 and occurs responsive to the user inserting their foot into the body 30. After insertion, the body 30 applies a compressive force on the user's foot (block 630).

The footwear article 10 can include various shapes and sizes. Examples include but are not limited to shoes, boots, slippers, and dress shoes.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the examples provided herein are intended to be embraced. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear article configured to accommodate a user's foot and an orthotic device, the footwear article comprising: a sole with a top side and a bottom side; a body connected to the sole, the body extends upward from the top side of the sole, the body comprising: an upper edge that extends around and defines an opening, the opening comprising a rear section and a front section; an elastic section positioned between the upper edge and the sole, the elastic section extending along the front section of the opening; and wherein the elastic section is configured to stretch to adjust a size of the body to accommodate the user's foot and the orthotic device.
 2. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a front section that extends around the front section of the opening and a rear section that extends around the rear section of the opening, wherein the elastic section is positioned along the front section of the body and is spaced away from the rear section of the body.
 3. The footwear article of claim 2, further comprising a strap connected to the rear section of the body, the strap sized to extend across the opening.
 4. The footwear article of claim 2, wherein the elastic section extends along lateral sides and a front side of the foot section of the opening.
 5. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the elastic section forms the upper edge of the body.
 6. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the elastic section is spaced away from the upper edge of the body.
 7. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the elastic section comprises a strip of elastic material with an elongated length to extend along the front section of the opening and having a strip width that is narrow relative to a strip length.
 8. A footwear article configured to accommodate a user's foot and an orthotic device, the footwear article comprising: a sole; a body attached to the sole and comprising a front section configured to extend around toes and arch of the user's foot and a rear section configured to extend around a heel of the user's foot, the body comprising: an opening at a top of the body and that extends along the front section and the rear section; a base that extends from the sole and forms a lower portion of the body along the front section and the rear section; a fastener section that extends along opposing sides of the opening at the front section; an elastic section that extends along the opposing sides of the opening at the front section; and wherein the elastic section is configured to stretch and contract to adjust a size of the body to accommodate the user's foot and the orthotic device.
 9. The footwear article of claim 8, wherein the elastic section is spaced away from the rear section of the body.
 10. The footwear article of claim 9, further comprising a strap connected to the body and that extends across the opening at the rear section, the strap being spaced away from the elastic section.
 11. The footwear article of claim 8, wherein the elastic section extends around lateral sides and a front side of the opening at the front section of the body.
 12. The footwear article of claim 8, wherein the elastic section comprises two or more separate portions.
 13. The footwear article of claim 8, further comprising a tongue attached to the body, the tongue extends across the opening at the front section.
 14. The footwear article of claim 8, wherein the elastic section comprises a strip of an elastic material with an elongated length to extend along the opening at the front section of the body, the elastic section comprising a strip width that is narrow relative to a strip length.
 15. The footwear article of claim 8, wherein the elastic section is positioned between and spaces apart the fastener section and the base.
 16. The footwear article of claim 8, wherein the size comprises a depth along the front section that is measured between the sole and the opening and a width along the front section that is measured between opposing lateral sides of the front section, the elastic section configured to stretch and contract to adjust the size.
 17. A method of accommodating a user's foot and an orthotic device in a footwear article, the method comprising: receiving the user's foot and the orthotic device in an opening at a top of a body of the footwear article; expanding an elastic section of the body and increasing a size of the body responsive to the user inserting their foot into the body; and applying a compressive force on the user's foot when the user's foot is inserted into the body.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising expanding just a front section of the body and simultaneously maintaining a size of a rear section of the body.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein receiving the user's foot and the orthotic device comprises initially receiving the orthotic device within the body and subsequently receiving the user's foot within the body. 